Mardi Gras
In a small room on Third Street in Moscow, jazz records spin, poetry is read and local issues are discussed. As Moscow’s nonprofit community radio station, KRFP has been offering diverse programming since 2004.
“Community radio is the voice of your neighbors, friends and acquaintances,” said Leigh Robartes, KRFP’s station manager.The listener-supported radio station is kick-starting a fundraising endeavor with a Mardi Gras party March 3 at the American Legion Cabin in Moscow. The event will include dinner, a silent auction and dancing. The funds raised will be used help pay to upgrade the station’s signal from low power to full power.
“Because of the limits of low-power FM broadcasting, we feel the best way to keep community radio sustainable and vibrant on the Palouse is to have a signal that reaches a wider area,” Robartes said. “The new signal would not be vast – 1,100 watts from Paradise Ridge – but it would be a great improvement over our 100-watt signal on 92.5 FM originating from a downtown rooftop.”
Kami Lamoreaux, KRFP’s president of the board of directors, said she is excited about the full power project because reaching a broader audience also means more community members will have an opportunity to volunteer.
“We want people to know that we need them to do shows, write and produce news, or any number of things that need to get done by community volunteers.”
As a Pacifica radio affiliate KRFP airs syndicated music and news programs such as “Flashpoints” and “Democracy Now,” but also offers a broad assortment of locally produced shows.
Bob Hoffmann, KRFP’s director of development, believes the radio station also helps interested community members with opportunities to build skills. “People with no experience will be trained to work the station equipment, empowering them to become citizen journalists and to have the skills to cover local events. Local and regional news coverage is disappearing all over the county. KRFP is a rare treasure to our community.”
In addition to broadcasting syndicated shows, KRFP produces its own syndicated talk show, Yin Radio, which plays on 11 community radio stations across the country.
The full-power Mardi Gras party will include music sets spun by KRFP’s volunteer DJs.
“We welcome the opportunity to showcase the local talent we have in the station,” said Lamoreaux. “There will be something enjoyable for everyone. Folks who don’t want to stay for dinner can come down and enjoy the music and dancing.”
The dinner will be Cajun fare, catered by Blues Brew and BBQ. The $30 ticket price includes appetizers, main course, dessert and one drink ticket. There is a meat and vegetarian option, and wine and beer will be sold. The complete menu and list of silent auction items can be found at www.krfp.org. After-dinner dancing is free.
Tickets are available at Deadbeat Records or at www.krfp.org. Purchase by Feb. 29 is recommended to allow organizers to have time to place an accurate food order.
On the Web:
- www.krfp.org
- www.pacifica.org
Caitlin Cole is a Moscow freelance writer and a contributor to Pulse.
IF YOU GO
- WHAT: KRFP full power fundraiser dinner and silent auction
- WHEN: 6 p.m. March 3
- WHERE: American Legion Cabin, 317 S. Howard St., Moscow
- COST: $30
